As RTD staff notes in the above news story, the Smart Cards will give RTD “. . . a very accurate picture of usage, and we’ll be able to price the Eco Pass program accurately.” This is important from the perspective of insuring that RTD receives the authorized farebox revenue from its transit services.

Another, less obvious benefit of the Smart Card program relates to my goal of creating a community-wide Eco Pass. The new Smart Card data should make it easier for RTD and local officials to more accurately assess the fair cost for such an expansion of the Eco Pass program.

Removing questions regarding pricing fairness from the equation is an important hurdle to overcome as we pursue the vision of expanding access to the convenience and cost benefits of the Eco Pass program to all residents.